Address
Form of workAbout NT Farmers
The Northern Territory Farmers Association (NT Farmers) is focused on making Northern Australia a great place to grow food, fibre and forests for the benefit of farmers, families, and communities. It represents and supports its members, and advocates for a diverse and growing range of plant-based industries across all regions of the Northern Territory and Northern Australia.
The NT Plant based agricultural sector recently surpassed $500 million in farm gate revenue for the first time in the history of the Northern Territory. Farmers are growing the NT economy and creating jobs for Territorians, particularly in our regional areas. Plant-based industries across the NT have diverse needs and opportunities. Industry growth is reported to exceed 10% per year, and is predicted to continue to expand thanks to significant agricultural investment planned for the NT.
As a peak industry body, NT Farmers encourages balanced agricultural development in the Northern Territory and directly assists members and growers with a range of support services. It is a not-for-profit association which receives project funding from the public and private sector.
About the role
This role is as diverse as boots on the ground as well as in the development and presentation of business cases in the Board Room. The Deputy CEO will work alongside of the CEO and you will be recognised as being in the driver’s seat to represent NT Farmers in various fora, and to step in as Acting CEO from time to time. You will have a broad range of responsibilities as expected with such a senior role, including working with stakeholders to assist the diversification of NT plant industries which includes tropical fruits, broadacre crops, forestry, bush foods, melons and mangoes. You will be a trusted voice and representative for farmers in a range of settings that will take you from the paddock to the boardroom. A primary goal is to help all existing and emerging farmers to grow the NT plant industries, by developing strong and resilient farms and farming practices that work cohesively in the local context.
Reporting to the CEO, you will be responsible for building and maintaining strong working relationships with farmers, investors, government organisations, research and development organisations, industry bodies and indigenous organisations that are key to successful and responsible development of agriculture across the NT. The DCEO also undertakes the critical role of managing and assisting Project Officers with various projects as an overall Project/Programme Manager across the spectrum, as well as undertaking the key role of ensuring a future pipeline of Project funding opportunities are identified, managed and completed with success.
This is a fast paced and fluid role that requires you to be results orientated with strong capacity for lateral thinking, relationship building, networking and problem solving. Strong leadership and presentation skills will be needed in the face of speaking truth to power across a range of stakeholders. You will also be self-motivated and resourceful with the ability to manage your own time. You will work as the link between-
1. Industry and the Northern Territory Government (NTG) to accomplish the development goals of the NT as well as the NT Farmers’ priorities identified each year;
2. Project staff and the current and future pipelines of prioritised projects and funding; and
3. NT Farmers’ staff and wide array of stakeholders.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strong management/leadership, client relationship and people management skills, with the proven ability to develop trust and credibility. Direct and yet diplomatic style across the Board room and broader stakeholders
Partner with the NTG and stakeholders on the implementation of the Agribusiness Strategy 2030, and other NT Farmers identified priorities.
Engage in stakeholder engagement to identify producer objectives and operational imperatives.
Follow up with stakeholder, member and client issues as they arise.
Facilitate the promotion and growth of the organisation through strategic engagement, communications and public relations. Contribute stakeholder feedback to the team and organisation.
Report and present on a range of matters including key performance indicators across many fora, including Ministers, NTG Senior Executives, Board Rooms, and other senior stakeholders.
Liaise with potential growers and developers to attract new investment and agricultural sectors to the NT.
Work with the NTG and Land Councils to facilitate indigenous economic development opportunities as a priority.
Provide industry advice and input to guide research and development that delivers beneficial outcomes specific to northern farming systems and specifically NT Farmer membership.
Previous experience and attributes
Demonstrated success in developing strategies and implementation
Previous farm experience and understanding, preferably in horticulture or broadacre systems is not an absolute necessity but will be looked at favourably.
Sound knowledge of business models and business development.
Project Management and change management skills (and enabling technologies to ensure transparency and reporting)
Experience in HR Management
Dynamic networking and relationship skills from paddock to Board Room.
Strong time management skills and the ability to multi-task.
Capacity for regular travel throughout the NT and interstate.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think laterally with previous business case development, funding applications and acquittal management
Excellent communication skills in a range of settings and with stakeholders that include farms and farmers, public speaking and public relations, high level meetings and consultancies, and local community including indigenous Australians.
Senior executive experience demonstrated through Board level engagement and leadership
Education
Experience or qualification in agriculture, business or equivalent.
No Agencies please.
You must have full-time working rights on a permanent basis to be considered for this role.
